Four Runners, One Mission: Team HJTEP Takes on the 2026 New York City Marathon

The training miles are adding up, the excitement is building, and our team is officially set! We are thrilled to introduce the four dedicated runners representing Team HJTEP.

Running 26.2 miles is an extraordinary challenge, but our runners are taking on every mile for something far greater than the finish line. They are running to support our programs that build the next generation of leaders, scholars, and champions in life while carrying forward HJTEP's 54-year legacy of opportunity and impact in Harlem.

Meet the runners carrying the legacy this November:

Doug Knox is Running to Lead: $4,000 Fundraising Goal

For Doug, running the NYC Marathon is a 26.2 mile tribute to representation, mentorship, and visibility. As an African American runner and a dedicated coach for the past five years, Doug knows firsthand the profound impact of showing his community that any goal is within reach. He is running to support the next generation of leaders, bridging his passion for mentorship with HJTEP’s mission of empowering local youth on and off the court.

Sara Levy-Lambert is Running for legacy: $10,000 Fundraising Goal

Sara’s journey with HJTEP comes completely full circle this November. As a proud program alumna who trained with HJTEP from 2010 to 2014, she credits the coaches and community with teaching her the discipline, mental toughness, and quiet confidence that shaped her into the woman she is today. Now, she is tackling her first marathon to give back to the organization that gave her so much, ensuring today's Harlem youth receive those same life-changing opportunities.

Glendon James is Running with Purpose: $3,400 Fundraising Goal

After five consecutive lottery denials, Active Duty service member Glendon James never lost faith that he would one day run the streets of New York. For Glendon, joining Team HJTEP infuses his long-awaited dream with a profound purpose that mirrors his military career: leadership, service, and mentorship. He is running each mile to show young people the power of resilience and the incredible impact of having someone believe in your potential.

Kenneth Tao is Running to Expand Opportunity: $5,000 Fundraising Goal

Kenneth knows exactly how transformative access to tennis can be. Growing up playing on public park courts because expensive academies weren't an option, his dedication to the sport ultimately led him to play Division I tennis at Harvard. He is running the marathon to support HJTEP's mission of removing financial barriers, knowing firsthand that the discipline, preparation, and resilience learned on the court can completely shape the course of a young person's life.

Help us reach our goal of $50,000!

Every dollar raised supports HJTEP's proven sports-based youth development programs, giving more young people access to tennis coaching, academic support, wellness resources, mentorship, and pathways to college.

Visit our official marathon page to meet our runners, read the stories behind their 26.2-mile journeys, track Team Running for Legacy's progress, and make a gift to help carry this campaign and Harlem's next generation over the finish line!